One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy goodness, and quick cleanup, then this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with al dente bowtie pasta, all smothered in a luscious, cheesy Cajun cream sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want a hearty meal that doesn’t require a mountain of pots and pans, this recipe hits all the marks.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
• Bold Cajun flavors: The Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken and sauce with a spicy, smoky kick that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy sauce.
• Creamy, cheesy sauce: Heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese come together to create a rich sauce that coats every bowtie pasta piece beautifully.
• Customizable and versatile: Easily swap bell peppers for other veggies or add extra spice to suit your taste buds.
• Ready in under 40 minutes: A quick recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.

Shopping List

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (make sure it’s your favorite blend)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (choose your preferred color)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Before You Start: Equipment

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid: For cooking everything in one pot and letting the pasta simmer in the sauce.
• Sharp knife: To dice the chicken, onion, and bell pepper.
• Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your ingredients precise.

Mastering One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta: How-To

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything ready before you heat the pan ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Liquids

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Add the 12 ounces of bowtie pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquids and become tender, creating a creamy sauce as it cooks.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Chicken

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as desired.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and savor every creamy, spicy bite!

Fit It to Your Goals

• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lower fat version.
• Boost the veggies: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the veggie count without altering the flavor too much.
• Spice it up: For more heat, add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Cheese variations: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and ruin the texture of your dish.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken adds depth and flavor; don’t rush this part.
• Not stirring enough: Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Using too much liquid: The balance of broth and cream is key; too much liquid will make the sauce runny.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent curdling. This meal also freezes well, but note that the pasta texture might soften slightly after thawing.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully in this recipe due to its shape and texture, other short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells will also absorb the sauce nicely.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based protein alternatives. You can also incorporate a vegetarian-friendly broth to keep the flavors rich.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! For a pressure cooker version, you might want to check out recipes like Instant Pot Creamy Chicken With Mushrooms, which offers a similar creamy, comforting profile with less hands-on cooking time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain even heat.

You Might Also Like

• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Skillet – Another creamy, one-pan chicken delight packed with mushrooms and simple ingredients.
• Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese – A sweet and spicy take on classic mac and cheese with tender chicken bites.

Let’s Eat

Gather your ingredients, prep your kitchen, and get ready to dive into a bowl of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free, satisfying meal that brings a little Cajun flair to the dinner table. Serve it hot, garnish with fresh green onions, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every forkful. Happy cooking!

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